ankh udja seneb

Originally, "ankh udja seneb" (ahnkh ood-JAH zen-EB) was a benediction, attached to the end of a mention of the royal person or royal house (similar to the medieval English "Long live the King!" or the "peace and blessings be upon him!" said by Muslims after the name of Mohammad). Ankh, udja, seneb means "Life, prosperity, and health." In the New Kingdom, it became popular as a parting blessing appended to the end of written correspondence and letters. Today, we use it in both ways -- in reference to our Nisut (ankh udja seneb), and as a farewell phrase ("I'm outta here. Ankh udja seneb!"). When used in connection with the Nisut, this phrase is frequently abbreviated to AUS.